Prevalence and sequences of musculoskeletal symptoms among a group of dentists

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and sequences of musculo-skeletal symptoms among dentists. Sixty one active dentists and equal number of physicians answered a standardized Nordic questionnaire for assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms. The dentists showed a significant higher prevalence of neck, shoulder, lower back, pelvis and foot symptoms. Dentists had an increased risk for back pain lasting more than 30 days [OR 5.78] when compared with physicians. Lower back and shoulder symptoms had caused more troubles for the dentists and had reduced their daily and Leisure activities. Ergonomic education and work organization are needed in dentistry work to overcome the occurrence and consequences of musculoskeletal symptoms among dentists

Elemental mercury exposure in practicing dentists: an epidemiologic study

Dentists are exposed to mercury in their working environment as a result of handling and processing of amalgams used in rebuilding teeth. This study include 49 dentists and 20 non dentist control group. The blood mercury levels was measured for all participants who also answered a questionnaire on personal, occupational and medical histories. The aim of this work is to determine the blood mercury levels among dentists and to relate this levels to personal, occupational and medical findings. The main results of this study are: The dentists showed a significant higher mean value of blood mercury levels when compared with the control group [3.76 + 1.72 Vs 0.63 + 0.48 mg/dl], and this level was significantly related to the number of amalgams handled per day and the accidental spills of mercury in work sites. The prevalence of any of the examined symptoms [tremors, insomnia, loss of appetite and anexity] was relatively was relatively higher among dentists than control group. The results are suggestive of presence of potential hazards of mercury toxicity at dental clinics. Studies to determine organic and inorganic mercury levels among dentists would be useful. It is recommended to use non-mercury restorative materials and application of good hygienic measures in dental clinics

Some epidemiological features of addiction among industrial workers in Zagazig area, Sharkia Governorate

5378 industrial workers in Zagazig area were interviewed and examined by a questionnaire and urine screening for detection of drug dependence. These revealed 663 drug dependend workers [12.3%]. The latter group was further subjected to medical examination, liver function testing and personality scaling. The dependent workers were all males, relating mainly in the middle age group and with neurotic personality. The dependent workers were abused tobacco [45%], hashish [15.6%], caffiene [11.9%], simple analegesics [11.9%] and tobacco and caffiene [11.3%]. Alcohol and benzodiazepines were misused by 3.3% and 0.9% of addicts, respectively. The drug dependence had adverse effects on social life, general health and liver function of abusers when compared with control group. The drug dependent workers showed a higher mean value of days-off-work than non dependent. Moreover, the productivity and the quality of their work were adversely affected by their habit of drug abusing

Diabetes mellitus among a group of farmers in Sharkia Governorate: an epidemiological study

To study the magnitude, trends and determinant factors of diabetes mellitus [D.M] in a rural area, this study was carried out upon 500 farmers, selected randomly from a village in Sharkia Governorate during the year 1990. For detection of diabetic cases, an examination protocol was used which include: personal interview, medical examinations and determination of glucose in urine and capillary blood by using simple methods suitable for field screening. The main findings of this study were as follows: the prevalence of D.M. was 3.4% [4.14% males and 2.71% femals]. D.M. was more prevalent among age group > 30 years [765%] and among obese than non obese subjects [8.33% vs 1.23%]. 28.6% of diabetic persons reported a history of bilharzial infestation, while 14.3% had previous viral infection. In view of these results, mass screening for detection of missed diabetic cases in various sectors of population should be done in an out reach health programmes. Further studies should be devoted to investigate the role of bilharzial infestation and other infection in development of diabetes in susceptible subjects, and to study the impact of agricultural total environment upon D.M. as a multifactorial disease